Jeff McDonald: Manu wants to play … Monday

If Spurs guard Manu Ginobili gets his wish, he could be just days away from making his season debut.

His recovery from offseason ankle surgery almost complete, Ginobili said after Friday morning’s shootaround he should be ready to play as soon as Monday night in Memphis.

“I feel I’m very close,” Ginobili said. “I had a good practice yesterday. The ankle is not swelling. We’re going to practice tomorrow and the day after. If it goes as well as yesterday, I think I’m ready to go.”

Asked if he had a game targeted for a return, Ginobili said, “The next one. I would like to play the next one.”

After tonight’s home game against the Jazz, the Spurs play Monday at Memphis. Of course, Ginobili has one more hurdle to cross before getting the go-ahead to suit up: He must convince coach Gregg Popovich, typically an injury worry-wart, to play him.

The politicking has already begun.

“I’m ready,” Ginobili said. “I don’t know if they are going to wait and be extra cautious and see how I develop. But I feel like I can contribute, little by little. I’m not going to play 35 minutes the first game, but I think I’m ready to start helping out.”

18 Responses

It is a good thing to see Manu rehabilitating so well. We are all excited to see him back in on the floor bringing his exciting game and passion to the Spurs. However, I too believe that he should be very cautious and gradually work his way back to playing. The team is at the .500 mark and if they can get a few games above that mark then they will be fine. The second half of the season, the stretch run is when your valuable contributions will be sorely needed.

Lots of caution on this board, but keep in mind, surgery recovery times are estimates, and some simply heal quicker. He’s been going very light for 8 weeks now, and it’s not the knee or major ligaments. I say, not this next game, just one more week! Then, we have a key piece back.

By the way, what are you’alls thought on Ian Mahinmi? I think by default (poor play of Thomas/Oberto), we almost have to bring him back soon for some athelitc big play.

Manu you are a great player. But don’t forget you hurt yourself in last PLAYOFFS , and it showed. Then you thought you would be fine in the Summer Olympics .Nothing against you manu ,but I did say before that you would get hurt in the Olympics , you did. I’m glad you had surgery , but If the spurs lose games in the 1st half. It will be the 2nd half of the season they will need you most. Hill , Mason , are stepping up even in loses. The spurs need to trade Oberto , Thomas, Vaughn , for a big guy. The spurs aren’t that bad. But they need a TRADE. manu has a big Heart . That type of surgery needs more time off. And the way the WEST is manu don’t rush, and spurs make a trade. Mason , has impressed me the most , and so did Hill .They are getting more experience , With mason it shows, Hill I like better then Vaughn. But spurs the key is a TRADE Oberto, Thomas, Vaughn , they are wasting the Bench . Duncan needs help down low , get Duncan some help .

English only?? Heck dude… pull out a dictionary and learn something a little different. Do any of us speak Apache, Commanche, or Tonkawa?? But back to the story… Manu… PLEASE take it just a little slower. The upside of your absence is a gradual but noticeably positive development of new players in this system. Give it another couple of weeks. I’m with Pop on this one. JMHO.

You can’t blame Manu for playing for he’s a fighter!!! To Manu if u read this mail NO RUSH…by not rushing your comeback you help the team in a whole, because the young guys gain experience. Through this process come playoff time the team will benefit well, for even the second unit plays like the first team. So whoever the 5s in the court spell doom for the opponents. So again for Manu we love to see your magic in the hardcourt again but this time be patient please…

Robert, people all over the world are reading this. If it bothers you, just skip it. Manu is from Argentina where English is not the first language. I know people from Argentima check San Antonio web sites for news of Manu. Respect Manu’s language skills, please; he is so much brighter than most of us Americans who speak only English and don’t do that too well.

English only, you should realize that not all NBA fans speak English only Robert. That is one of the reason our Spurs are internationally respected. If you do not know how to read Spanish, it?s no reason to ask for English only for this forum. Here I will translate for you “manu , saludos desde pittsburgh – Aguanta un cacho!

saludos y feliz navidad!TRANSLATION ” manu hello from pittsburgh , maybe you should sit out a little longer! Salutations and have a Merry Christmas

The timing of Ginobili’s return is the least of the Spurs problems. Manu’s limited presence (until he’s close to 100% – which could take 2 months) would not help the Spurs fix their blatant deficiencies, that is, rebounding, strong in-the-paint defensive to help Duncan and high-percentage perimeter shooting. Management knew coming into the season where the limitations were yet did nothing to improve an old, unathletic team. It seems that they intend on sacrificing the season for a high draft pick. Manu is a great player, but his injuries have reduced his effectiveness and he will never be the same. He should have been traded for defensive help (Camby or Kaman) at the end of last season. McDyess is available and should be pursued and acquired.

You have go to be kidding me. Why so many negative responses to this? If he’s ready to play, play him. That’s what he is here for. What our record is doesn’t matter, if he’s ready to go (Obviously that will be up to Pop) get him out there gradually. Same for Parker. What are we saving them for?

MANU WAIT , That type of ankle Surgery , is not worth coming back to soon. manu I think you should wait until December . I’m not saying he won’t be 100% . But coming back to soon it will take time for him to get his Game strength back. That is why I think he should wait until December. He is not out for the season , it is just time.

I am with you. I would like to see Manu and Tony come back at the same time. If Manu comes back first he is going to feel like he has to place the whole team on his shoulders. We all know him and that is why we love him. Take your time Manu. I believe when they both come back (hopefully together) we are going to start kicking some serious butt.

Somebody hide the keys to Manu’s car, block his locker, steal his uniform or whatever. As long as the Spurs are playing at 0.500 and the youngsters are getting game experience, he should keep going on his rehab. The extra time can only help.

YEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSS. Any injury needs time to heal, but if he’s practicing on it at full go, hes already tested. If there’s no instability, or swelling after a practice let him jump right into the mix. Just limit his minutes, and ease him into the process. 10 minutes one night and if there’s no instability or swelling hit him for 15 the next.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!! I have to take the cautious approach concerning a surgically repaired ankle. Please Manu, come back at your scheduled time in early December. Increased chances of reinjury from coming back too soon isn’t worth the entire season.